263 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if local broadcasting stations will be allowed access to the medium wave band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/96]

This is primarily a matter for the Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC), which has responsibility for the independent broadcasting sector. If the Independent Radio and Television Commission were to decide that it was desirable that local radio stations should operate on medium wave, it would approach my Department to investigate the availability of frequency space, in the light of national and international co-ordination requirements, and other present or potential uses for the frequencies in question. My Department is not in receipt of any current request from the Independent Radio and Television Commission in that regard.